Barack Obama told Rachel Maddow he's not a harsher critic of the Republican Party because he's trying to build what he calls a "working majority for change."
In the MSNBC interview with Rachel in Sarasota Thursday, Obama said he didn't want to risk alienating Republicans who think the Bush administration has damaged the country.
Maddow asked Obama why he mostly limits his criticisms to Bush and McCain instead of the party or conservatism in general.
"... what I'm interested in, is how do we build a working majority for change?" Obama said. "And if I start off with the premise that it's only self-identified Democrats who I'm speaking to, then I'm not going to get to where we need to go. If I can describe it as not a blanket indictment of the Republican Party, but instead ... as the Republican Party having been kidnapped by a incompetent, highly ideological subset of the Republican Party, then that means I can still reach out to a whole bunch of Republican moderates who I think are hungry for change, as well."
There was this exchange:
MADDOW: Now, they do that to you the same way. When they talk -- when John McCain calls you a socialist...
OBAMA: Right.
MADDOW: This redistribute the wealth idea. He calls you soft on national security.
OBAMA: Yes.
MADDOW: That's not just an anti-Barack Obama script.
OBAMA: No.
MADDOW: ... he's reading from an anti-Democrat, and specifically an anti-liberal stance.
OBAMA: Absolutely.
MADDOW: And so you have the opportunity to say John McCain, George Bush, you're wrong. You also have the opportunity to say, conservatism has been bad for America. But, you haven't gone there either.
OBAMA: I tell you what though, Rachel. You notice, I think we're winning right now so...
(LAUGHTER)
This may be a good election tactic, and probably a great leadership strategy, but one that'll make the lefty base a little nervous. (Could Obama be carving out a place for his presidency as one of those -- shudder... centrists????).
Obama didn't hesitate to add that there are many wrong-headed premises in the "reigning Republican ideology."
"This whole notion ... [that] I'm a redistributor ... is a great example. The notion that the progressive income tax, which was instituted by Teddy Roosevelt -- supposedly John McCain's hero -- is somehow un-American, ... is an example of how people have gone way off track.
(Watching this conversation will blow to an objective observer the GOP's painting of Obama as a wild-eyed, terror-loving, socialist, evil-appeasing, baby-eating, jihadist Marxist, though it leaves open, we suppose, the notion that Obama might be the Manchurian Brother From Outer Space with the implanted chip controlling his brain from the Mothership hovering overhead -- in which case we'd be fucked regardless).
Read the whole interview here... or watch the videos.
First part:
Segundo:
While there is still SO MUCH we don't know about Sen Obama, I have the confidence in our political structure to cope with this. I don't think our Country (with it's inherent checks-and-balances) would stand for a rogue loose-cannon type POTUS, despite politics. I look forward to the progress that can be made with what might certainly be a fillibuster-proof Congress. There should be no reason for a quagmire and despite 'the direction' significant progress should be made for the perceived benefit of this Country. I pray that the Obama administration keeps this Country as safe as the Bush administration has and that we now make SIGNIFICANT gains in our image with the rest of the world by better communication and a 'doing-away' with the cowboy mentality.
Posted by: Duffman | October 31, 2008 at 06:05 AM
If this country is "safe," it is DESPITE the Bush administration, Duffman you idiot.
Obama is too smart to fall into the trap of bashing conservatism. The conservative base is fracturing before our eyes, as the no-taxes cheap-labor beancounters, the Christer rapture monkeys (we own your vaginas), and the Paulbearers are at each others' throats already, trying to assign blame for the train wreck this campaign has become for all of them.
Rachel just doesn't get it. Why should Obama attack conservatives when they are attacking each other? I'm having a great time watching it, and she should just chill.
Posted by: private24 | October 31, 2008 at 06:44 AM
'If this country is "safe," it is DESPITE the Bush administration, Duffman you idiot.'
So, YOU have all the intelligence data that shows this, I assume? You don't know WTF you're talking about...and it's YOU that is the 'idiot' by demonstrated definition. Have a good life.
Posted by: Duffman | October 31, 2008 at 06:54 AM
What is wrong with being a "centrist"? Both sides have good and not-so-good ideas. Compromise & work together as a team. It's better than in-fighting. Insults will get you nowhere. Sit down & listen (not hear) to one another. Just my opinion.
Posted by: DD | October 31, 2008 at 07:23 AM
'Just my opinion.'
...and a very good one, I might add. :)
Posted by: Duffman | October 31, 2008 at 07:25 AM
Despite the silly rhetoric on the Rightthat claims we see Obama as a "Savior," most of us know we are not going to agree with him on everything. That has already happened. The thing is, we look at the overall picture of what he wants to do. We don't need to march in lockstep.
Obama doesn't need to say much about what Bush has done. All people need to do is look at the front page of any newspaper.
Posted by: sparky | October 31, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Agree...but in that spirit let's be 'big' enough to give POTUS Bush credit for our safety since 9/11, since it WAS under his watch. Plenty of other to 'blame' him for and we have. That's all I'm sayin.
Posted by: Duffman | October 31, 2008 at 07:43 AM
If you want to believe that, Duffman, you go right ahead!
Posted by: sparky | October 31, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Your response (& attitude) was expected and predictable...keep that open and fair-mindedness going and DO instill it in the minds of our youth that you so influence. And thank you so much for your permission to believe as I do. :)
Posted by: Duffman | October 31, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Ummm...so suddenly 9-11 doesn't count?
Well put, private24. I'm one who wants Americans to be proud of our generosity, fairness and liberties again so I expect those who have eroded those traits to be held accountable. I want some assurance they will be.
But, I understand the need to win first.
And, yes, I hope the right indulges in a gourmet feast on itself before this thing is over.
Posted by: joanie | October 31, 2008 at 08:19 AM
I'm a lefty and his comments don't make me nervous at all. I like his attitude and he's right: we DO need everyone to work together for the good of the country. I like the idea of inclusiveness because what's been going on in Washington for the last 8 years sure hasn't helped this country at all.
"My way or the highway" has taken us down the road to disaster.
Posted by: dana | October 31, 2008 at 08:23 AM
...dittos on my previous post (of 08:13) in regard to our infamous 'joanie', of similar hate fame.
May the hate you eminate never return to haunt you...Happy Halloween.
Posted by: Duffman | October 31, 2008 at 08:36 AM
duffman is a butt-boy for the GOP
Posted by: Overly wrought,strenuously tight Conservative | October 31, 2008 at 09:14 AM
WHATever makes you feel good there, OWSTC...your posting says it all.
Posted by: Duffman | October 31, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Obama's off the cuff remark about "the Sean Hannity faction of the republican party" was so right on. The guy is simply brilliant.
Posted by: Rick | October 31, 2008 at 10:15 AM
What surprised me about Maddow's line of questioning is that much of what is looked at as surprising was outlined long ago in Obama's book The Audacity of Hope.
Obama went to great length in the book to point out that part of the problem with today's politics is the boomer generation's tendency is to always look at the issues from a them against us, red versus blue, left vs right prospective. "ideology versus a common sense approach" to problems.
Maddow frankly surprised me in that she acted like this revelation that Obama wanted to get away from the red vs blue left vs right paradigm and move to what he often refers to as "new politics" was actually news.
In his book he makes the case that one of the main reasons he became involved in politics was to change from the divisive, mean and polarizing way we have been trying to govern to building a working majority to finally have government that can actually get things done.
Posted by: artistdogboy | October 31, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Folks herein could learn much from that book.
Posted by: Duffman | October 31, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Hey Duffman--why dont you just cut and paste " I am rubber you are glue, what you say bounces off of me and sticks to you." It would save you a lot of typing time, and is basically the point you make with each comment.
Posted by: Kevin | October 31, 2008 at 11:55 AM
yes, duffman the liar
Posted by: Overly wrought,strenuously tight Conservative | October 31, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Love it, when folks are 'exposed' for what they are.
Posted by: Duffman | October 31, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Tell me more, Duffman. In what way have you "exposed" me. You know nothing about me. Just what I choose to write here. And I could be making that up.
So, please, tell me how you have exposed me.
Posted by: Kevin | October 31, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Did I say 'I' exposed you? There you go again...exposing yourself. Tsk, tsk. Try reading before you jump the gun ahead of your brain.
And, have a good life; you're not worth the time.
Posted by: Duffman | October 31, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Oh god, Duffman, you forgot to take your meds today. Get some viagra, please.
Now, Artist whatever: Bill Clinton was a centrist so please with the "new politics." The new politics led us to this extreme right position we're facing. Let's get off this "centrist"/"let's all work together" rubbish and get something done again.
The right got something done alright. They got it done their way. I don't want more compromise. I want it back to the way it was.
You "centrist" and "new politics" people have short memories.
And, artist, you're too old for that crap. You should know better.
Posted by: joanie | October 31, 2008 at 06:57 PM
McCain = Liberty
Obama = Expanding Socialism, loss of liberties (1st and 2nd amendments)
It's that simple. (with the exception of Joanie,Sparky and the other brain-dead proponents of BO)
Posted by: KS | October 31, 2008 at 09:42 PM
I predict McCain will endorse Obama on Monday in a futile attempt to save the gop.
Posted by: Overly wrought,strenuously tight Conservative | October 31, 2008 at 10:04 PM
It is so sad that a great American like John McCain has allowed his campaign to be pulled down with racism and bigotry. Until a month ago I was an undecided voter. I honestly liked McCain. I voted for him in the 2000 primary, but his 2008 campaign has been based on hatred and anger. I am so sad for McCain, all the honor he earned as a POW in Vietnam has been lost in this disgraceful campaign. He has brought out the worst in America and Obama has brought out the best. Good luck President Obama!
Posted by: Scott | November 01, 2008 at 04:19 PM
1. McCain’s service on the board of the U.S. Council for World Freedom, an ultraconservative right-wing group.
The council created by retired Army Maj. Gen. John Singlaub was the U.S. chapter of the World Anti-Communist League, an international organization linked to former Nazi collaborators and ultra-right-wing death squads in Central America.
2. McCain’s close connection to the convicted Gordon Liddy.
3. McCain’s close connection to the convicted Charles Keating.
4. McCain’s connection with William Timmons, a Washington lobbyist who was tapped by John McCain to play a leading role in his presidential transition team. Timmons aided an influence effort to ease international economic sanctions against the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein.
5. Todd Palin’s membership in the Alaskan Independence Party, a seccionist anti American party. He has not condemned the party.
6. Sarah Palin’s close association with the Alaskan Independence Party, AIP. She has not condemned the party, but instead has praised the party’s effort. This is an act of high treason and should disqualify her from the VP nomination.
7. Al Qaeda recently endorsed McCain.
Now, which team is anti-American and dangerous?
Posted by: marcus | November 01, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Today on CSpan Zogby's poll showed McCain up by ten points in the central states. Zogby is not highly reliable. But, I'm not worry-free. Ignorance is not easily diminished when people don't try.
Posted by: joanie | November 01, 2008 at 04:31 PM
1-4 and 6 are false. 5 is irrelevant and 7 was taken out of context. Sloppy research, marcus - you partisan freak..
Posted by: KS | November 01, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Well there you go libs. Obama is not goint to go far left, which you all think he should, for the mere fact that few in the country are as left wing as Seattle is. Obama couldn't go there even if he wanted to. Most of the Democrat party is mainstream moderate, as is most of the Republicans, so to expect Obama to go into Michael Mooresville is unrealistic.
Presidents answer to the agencies. Agencies (State Dept, Dept of Energy, Dept of Agriculture, etc) call the shots. It's always been that way and always will be that way. Even if those in Seattle are off in left wing loonytown!
Posted by: HugoC | November 04, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I hate to have to say it Hugo, but I think you are wrong.
Remember, you have an absolute lunatic in Nancy Pelosi and a major fruitcake in Reid.
We are going to have to fight tooth and nail to hold this country together.
If Obama gets the job, he will go home to the extreme left. He only play acted to the center to get elected.
Posted by: chucks | November 04, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Oh, god in heaven, I hope so.
You can always move to Kentucky or Louisiana, chucks. Lots of poor folk in those right-to-work states. You'd be the rich white guy on the block. Right at home, I imagine.
Posted by: joanie | November 04, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Same was said about Clinton in 92' ohhhh so liberal. He signed in NAFTA, major deregulation of the of broadcast rules. You guys really wanted McCain against Hillary and it failed.
Posted by: Coiler | November 04, 2008 at 07:13 PM